San Juan River/Delores Division 7 Durango RICD 06CW09 Report on Design, Functionality

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Abstract ' This report details the design process, public process, and physical characteristics of the Durango Boating Park as relates to the RICD application. The report also details the functionality at specific flows for this park. Introduction The City of Durango and the Smelter Rapid Boating Park have played a significant role in the development of boating parks in this country. The Smelter Boating Park was the first of its size and scale in the United States. In the twenty plus years since in- stream modifications began in Durango the site has hosted numerous National and International events and has established Durango's reputation as a whitewater destination. However, as the sport, and both boat and boating park technology, have improved, this reputation has somewhat waned. Paddlers —and their competitions —have sought out alternate boating parks, such as Salida and Steamboat Springs, as their preferred destinations. Recent studies have shown that the attraction that these other parks represent has had a significant impact on their local economies. These studies show that a well designed Boating Park that acts to extend the boatable season, attract major events, and provide a daily recreational amenity throughout .� the boating season can bring in millions of dollars a year to the local economy. 3 A recent study done by this firm, Recreation Engineering and Planning, was completed in order to select a site for, and complete preliminary design of, an enhanced boating park in the Animas River near Durango, CO. Four sites were considered by the design team, the city, and the Animas River Task Force, but the site ultimately selected is the existing boating park at the Smelter Rapids. This report details the design process, expected users, proposed design and proposed flow regime, as well as the functionality of the proposed course. 3